Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, which occurred 40 days after Christ rose form the dead on Easter. On this day, in the sight of His apostles, Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven. Christ promised the apostles that he would send His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, which we celebrate next Sunday, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The first novena was prayed by the Apostles in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost. For novena prayers go https:// www.ewtn.com/devotionals/pentecost/seven.htm. Just as the Easter Vigil is a celebration of the beginning of Easter Time, the extended Pentecost Vigil, which will be celebrated at the 7:00PM Mass (Spanish) next Saturday, is the powerful conclusion to Easter. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass and continues until 7:00AM Sunday. In preparation for Pentecost, spend additional time in prayer, whether at St. Mary, or at home. Because of the Pentecost Vigil on Saturday, First Friday Adoration on Friday, June 2, will begin at 8:00AM in the Chapel (silent adoration) and then we’ll move to the Church from 6:00PM-10:00PM for communal prayer in Spanish. No overnight adoration this month. Today Jason Alstatt celebrates the Rite of Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church through the sacrament of Confirmation and reception of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Please pray for Jason, and all those who received baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist for the first time. No Coffee Hour today because of the retreat (Spanish) hosted by the Maria Auxiliadora (Mary, Help of Christians) Prayer Group. This retreat provides spiritual formation for those who serve. “Our talents are received through the grace of God, in gratitude we share our gifts with others.” Today, we are taking up the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). Your support helps the CCC connect people to Christ, through the internet, TV, radio and print media. Half of the funds we collect remains in our diocese to support local efforts. Be part of this campaign to spread the gospel message and support the collection today! The Parish Office will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day. Experience Christ Risen in a set of adult & youth (12 years and up) catechesis by the Neo-Catechumenal Way. Join us this week on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:00PM. Coffee Hour next Sunday will be hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The Knights insurance agent, Roger Skelton, will be present for anyone, current or prospective members, who may have questions regarding Knights insurance. We’re so pleased with the interest in the Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible study beginning June 6 in Silt; this session is full! If you are interested and missed this opportunity, please contact Margaret Simms (970) 379-1245, Sue Junge (970) 985 -3021 or the Parish Office — with enough interest and willing facilitators for this DVD guided study, we can begin another group—perhaps in Rifle or Parachute. You are invited to a farewell party for Fr. Jose Maria on Sunday, June 11, as he departs St. Mary to begin a new ST. MARY PARISH CATHOLIC CHURCH Parish Staff Liturgical Schedule THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD MAY 28, 2017 761 BIRCH AVE. — P.O. BOX 191 RIFLE — CO 81650 — WWW.STMA RYRIFLE.COM Reconciliation Schedule: Mon., Tues., Fri. — 7:00am Thursday — 6:30pm Saturday — 3:30pm & 6:30pm Sunday — 12:00pm 1st Sunday of the month - 11:00am Adoration Schedule: Mon., Tue., Fri. — 8:00am–9:00am First Friday: 24 Hrs. with the Lord 8:00am Fri. - 8:00am Sat. English Mass Schedule: Mon., Tues., Fri. — 7:30am Saturday — 4:30pm Sunday — 9:30am Sacred Heart- 230 N. 6th St., Silt Sunday — 7:30am Misa en Español Schedule: Thursday — 7:00pm Saturday — 7:00pm Sunday — 12:30pm Councils - Parish & Finance Pastor: Fr. José María Quera Pastoral Assistant: Karla Jacobs [email protected]970-625-5125 x20 Parish Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thu., & Fri.: 9:00am - 1:30pm, After Lunch break by appointment Religious Ed Coord.: Mandie Dovey Mandie [email protected]970-625-3891 x23 Religious Education Summer Office Hours: By Appointment Family Life/Youth Ministry Coordinator: Sophie Simms, 970-625-3891 x107 [email protected]Office Hours: Tuesday: 12:00pm-2:00pm Maintenance: Joe Skelly Fax: 970-625-1095 Prayer Requests: Call: 625-5125 or e-mail [email protected]Email: [email protected]Submission Deadlines: Bulletin - Tuesday Noon Announcements - Thursday Noon Online: www.stmaryrifle.com St Mary Catholic Church in Rifle Parish Council: Larry Brady Daniel Bucio Agueda de Leon Bernie Whitman Finance Council: Lillian Dahlin Michelle Duran Dan Niedbalski Rosie Ruiz PARISH HAPPENINGS MEETINGS AND THINGS assignment at St. Clare in Edwards. If you’d like to help with the event please contact Kathie Bernat (625-2381), Jane Whitt (625-0628) or Agueda de Leon (970-274-8858). The Maria Auxiliadora Prayer Group is providing a taco bar, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish or dessert. We’ll welcome Fr. Gerardo Garcia, our new administrator, with gatherings following each Mass on June 17 & 18. Are you contemplating a gift for the priests, but not sure what to give? Consider a card or letter and in it share the gift of prayer—perhaps a rosary or day of fasting per month for the next year, daily prayer for a week or month, or any other prayer or offering you’d like to make. The Liturgical Environment Committee needs your help! We’re looking for someone to clean vases and freshen up the flower arrangements on either Tuesday or Wednesday of each week (takes about one hour). The person currently taking care of this task cannot continue beyond June 11. We’re also searching for a substitute for the care of the washing and ironing of the white linens used at Mass. This need is just for a few weeks this summer and can be done on the day of your choice. Please contact Yulissa in the Parish Office if you can help with either task. Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal—Without question, one experiences profound joy when helping others. The grace of giving is a special blessing from God who calls us to give without limits. Please visit www.Archden.Org/ GiveToday. YOUTH MINISTRY INFORMATION Parents and middle and high school students, please take a few moments to fill out our Youth Ministry survey so that we can better serve all the youth in our parish and make your requests known! You will find it in Flocknote and Facebook. Middle and High School students are invited to join us for our first Summer event today from 2-4PM at Rifle Fireside Lanes! Parent signed permission form is required, bring to the bowling alley along with $2/shoes and $2/game and extra money if you plan to buy snacks. Find those permission forms in the information rack or have a parent sign you up at the event! Totus Tuus, a summer program for Grades 1 - 12, returns for the 6th year! July 9-14. Register on June 24/25, July 1/2 & 8/9. Questions or want to help? Contact Sharon Pritt ([email protected], 970-366-2969). Middle & High School Youth Group: Sunday, 2- 4PM, Rifle Fireside Lanes Adult Catechesis: TUESDAY & Friday, 7:00PM, Hall First Friday Adoration of the Lord: 8:00AM to 6:00PM. Pentecost Vigil: Saturday, 8:00PM to Sunday, 7:00AM 1st Sunday/Family Confession: Sunday, 11:00AM
Transcript
Today we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, which occurred 40 days after Christ rose form the dead on Easter. On this day, in the sight of His apostles, Jesus ascended bodily into Heaven. Christ promised the apostles that he would send His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, which we celebrate next Sunday, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The first novena was prayed by the Apostles in the days between the Ascension and Pentecost. For novena prayers go https://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/pentecost/seven.htm.
Just as the Easter Vigil is a celebration of the beginning of Easter Time, the extended Pentecost Vigil, which will be celebrated at the 7:00PM Mass (Spanish) next Saturday, is the powerful conclusion to Easter. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows Mass and continues until 7:00AM Sunday. In preparation for Pentecost, spend additional time in prayer, whether at St. Mary, or at home.
Because of the Pentecost Vigil on Saturday, First Friday Adoration on Friday, June 2, will begin at 8:00AM in the Chapel (silent adoration) and then we’ll move to the Church from 6:00PM-10:00PM for communal prayer in Spanish. No overnight adoration this month.
Today Jason Alstatt celebrates the Rite of Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church through the sacrament of Confirmation and reception of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Please pray for Jason, and all those who received baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist for the first time.
No Coffee Hour today because of the retreat (Spanish) hosted by the Maria Auxiliadora (Mary, Help of Christians) Prayer Group. This retreat provides spiritual formation for those who serve. “Our talents are received through the grace of God, in gratitude we share our gifts with others.”
Today, we are taking up the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). Your support helps the CCC connect people to Christ, through the internet, TV, radio and print media. Half of the funds we collect remains in our diocese to support local efforts. Be part of this campaign to spread the gospel message and support the collection today!
The Parish Office will be closed Monday, May 29, in observance of Memorial Day.
Experience Christ Risen in a set of adult & youth (12 years and up) catechesis by the Neo-Catechumenal Way. Join us this week on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7:00PM.
Coffee Hour next Sunday will be hosted by the Knights of Columbus. The Knights insurance agent, Roger Skelton, will be present for anyone, current or prospective members, who may have questions regarding Knights insurance.
We’re so pleased with the interest in the Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible study beginning June 6 in Silt; this session is full! If you are interested and missed this opportunity, please contact Margaret Simms (970) 379-1245, Sue Junge (970) 985-3021 or the Parish Office — with enough interest and willing facilitators for this DVD guided study, we can begin another group—perhaps in Rifle or Parachute.
You are invited to a farewell party for Fr. Jose Maria on Sunday, June 11, as he departs St. Mary to begin a new
Online: www.stmaryrifle.com St Mary Catholic Church in Rifle
Parish Council:
Larry Brady Daniel Bucio Agueda de Leon Bernie Whitman
Finance Council:
Lillian Dahlin Michelle Duran Dan Niedbalski Rosie Ruiz
PARISH HAPPENINGS
MEETINGS AND THINGS
assignment at St. Clare in Edwards. If you’d like to help with the event please contact Kathie Bernat (625-2381), Jane Whitt (625-0628) or Agueda de Leon (970-274-8858). The Maria Auxiliadora Prayer Group is providing a taco bar, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish or dessert.
We’ll welcome Fr. Gerardo Garcia, our new administrator, with gatherings following each Mass on June 17 & 18.
Are you contemplating a gift for the priests, but not sure what to give? Consider a card or letter and in it share the gift of prayer—perhaps a rosary or day of fasting per month for the next year, daily prayer for a week or month, or any other prayer or offering you’d like to make.
The Liturgical Environment Committee needs your help! We’re looking for someone to clean vases and freshen up the flower arrangements on either Tuesday or Wednesday of each week (takes about one hour). The person currently taking care of this task cannot continue beyond June 11.
We’re also searching for a substitute for the care of the washing and ironing of the white linens used at Mass. This need is just for a few weeks this summer and can be done on the day of your choice. Please contact Yulissa in the Parish Office if you can help with either task.
Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal—Without question, one experiences profound joy when helping others. The grace of giving is a special blessing from God who calls us to give without limits. Please visit www.Archden.Org/GiveToday.
YOUTH MINISTRY INFORMATION Parents and middle and high school students, please take a few moments to fill out our Youth Ministry survey so that we can better serve all the youth in our parish and make your requests known! You will find it in Flocknote and Facebook.
Middle and High School students are invited to join us for our first Summer event today from 2-4PM at Rifle Fireside Lanes! Parent signed permission form is required, bring to the bowling alley along with $2/shoes and $2/game and extra money if you plan to buy snacks. Find those permission forms in the information rack or have a parent sign you up at the event!
Totus Tuus, a summer program for Grades 1 - 12, returns for the 6th year! July 9-14. Register on June 24/25, July 1/2 & 8/9. Questions or want to help? Contact Sharon Pritt ([email protected], 970-366-2969).
Middle & High School Youth Group: Sunday, 2-4PM, Rifle Fireside Lanes
Adult Catechesis: TUESDAY & Friday, 7:00PM, Hall
First Friday Adoration of the Lord: 8:00AM to 6:00PM.
Pentecost Vigil: Saturday, 8:00PM to Sunday, 7:00AM
Q. What is “secularism,” and is it possible for a Christian to also be a secularist?
A. Secularism is a philosophical movement that has its roots in England in the 1850s. The movement began because some felt religion and the Bible were inadequate sources for explaining many aspects of modern life. Secularists believe you can find all motivation for living a moral life in what is readily observable. Thus, secularism sees the Christian religion, and in fact all religions, as worthless.
Some might argue that secularism is the same as the separation of Church and state, that public schools should give a secular education, that they shouldn’t be teaching the Christian, or any, religion. At first glance, that may sound right, but it isn’t.
A Catholic second-grade public school teacher should not teach Catholic doctrine to her class in the same way that a Baptist second-grade public school teacher should not teach Baptist doctrine to his class, but the faith of the Catholic or the Baptist should influence the way they teach their class.
They might not teach specific doctrine, but the way each approaches the class should be done as one who has faith in Jesus Christ. The same is true of a politician or someone who works at a fast-food restaurant. In implicit ways, our faith in Jesus should always influence what we say and do.
Extraordinary Ministers: Julie Allen and Bertha Saville
Lector: Tom Hogelin Ushers: Fabian and Barbara Salazar Cantor: Jackie Vazquez, Art and
Melanie Dahl Gifts: Mary Valencia and Needed Sacristan: Fred Garcia
9:30am Sunday June 4th Coffee Hour Following Mass
Extraordinary Ministers: Trudy Giard, Harry Kissell, Tim Jacobs,
Lyle Green and Eric Miller Lector: Aaron Hosack and Barbara Ramirez Ushers: Daniel Ilincuta and Needed Server: Grace Burner Cantor: Mosaic Ensemble Gifts: Eric and Holly Miller Coffee Host: Knights of Columbus Church Cleaners: Needed Money Counters: Lucy Wolff, Rose Fraser
and Diane Tilly Sacristan: Karla Jacobs
If you are not able to serve as scheduled, please find a substitute, trading if possible. Please note the change on the schedule in the sacristy or inform the Parish Office at 625-5125 x25 or [email protected].
We can get caught up in the details and miss the heart of the message today. Where did Jesus go? Is heaven “up there”? Why doesn’t Matthew’s Gospel have Jesus being taken up? Doesn’t this feast remove Jesus from us, to some place where he “sits at the right hand of the Father”? Sound a little disengaged? In his introduction to the writings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Jean Leclerc writes that the mystery of the Ascension fulfilled the mystery of love in which Jesus returns to the glory of the Father. The Son then sends the Spirit to unite us with the Father in love. Thus, in Bernard’s thought, the Ascension is a symbol for the passage of Christ from his life in mortal flesh to glorious life in the Spirit. This same transition from flesh to Spirit can also be accomplished in us, since it has already taken place in Christ. But we are not simply passive recipients. There is work to be done. Luke’s angels bluntly tell the apostles to get moving. Matthew’s final scene spells out the work: “Go forth and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching others to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19). Witness to Jesus, in word and deed. The task of spreading the good news that is Jesus Christ, teaching others about him, can seem daunting. But we are not alone. We have the promise that the Holy Spirit will work with us; in Matthew, Jesus’ final words are reassuring: “I am with you always” (28:20). That is reason enough to work with confidence.
—James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.
Living God’s Word We pray: Loving Father, give us your Spirit of wisdom and revelation to enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so we may have the hope that accompanies your call and come to the glory that is our inheritance. May your great power be at work in us, raising us to new life as it did your Son Jesus. Amen.
SACRED HEART PARISH 230 North 6th Street, Silt — Sunday Mass at 7:30am
Coffee Hour - 3rd Sunday after Mass Confessions after Mass by Request
Ministries for June: Margaret Simms
Extraordinary Minister (6/5): Tom and Sue Junge
Lector (6/5): Yvette Blanc
Offertory (5/21): $677.62
Attendance (5/21): 61
MINISTRY SCHEDULE
STEWARDSHIP
MAY 13-14 Offertory: $5,511.35 Pro-Life: $268.00 Attendance: May 20: 70 May 21: 185
WE PRAY FOR... Anna Lee Knies, Cory Allen, Norman Buchan, Terry Breslin, Sarah Wilson, Gene Sowieja, Eddie Zinn, Sue Hawkins, Gabriel Sebastian Andujo, Nancy Yenelle, Darrian Levings, Giles Family, Fernando Núñez, Glenda Wesley, Manuel Ortega, Ramundo Ortega, Ed Allen, Ray and Marie Willey, Charlie Wyant, Tine Glenn, Mary Meserole, Dorothy Wimmer, Gina Glenn, Dave Kissell, Gabbie Levy, Pat Ghastin, Marilyn Weiss, Darren Crabtree, Dorothy Ceremuga, Linda Como, Zack Sowieja & family, Ruben Quintero, Marilyn Bryan, Lisa Edwards, Bernice Ghastin, Chris Chavez, Joan Weaver, Gayl Bernhardt, Darrell Redman, the family of Rustin Franke, Kyle Scholla, Butch Pressler, Alice Holmes, Mark Holmes, Billie Jansky, Craig Leonard, Brian Garland, Bill Oaks, Anita Sundin, Rick Sundin, Joshua Jones, Julia Avonovich, Tammy Waller, Fred Garcia, Julie Kuper, Pat Schmeckel, Ted Diaz, Corky Wilson, Alex & Linda Garcia, Alicia & David Thorpe, Tony Martinez, Linda Tomasi, Lauren Giard, Cathy Richard, Mary Ann Olson, Kim Nieslanik, Susan Armstrong, Freddie Romero, Gerald Waters, Nancy Newton, Joe Elliot, Kathy Willeart, Patrick Chavez, Reagan Nelson, Joyce Cawley, Clarence Gomez, Esther Jones, Lucy Wolff, Bob Christensen, Yvonne Diaz, Tanya Giard, Loretta Kochis (Mable Sanders’ sister), Scott Gordon, Kari Kuerstan, Bert Garlitz, Eliza Gallegos, Mary Benson, Daniel Tena, Connie Ritter, Rosalia Garza, Gordan Hammel, Kimberly Green, Virginia Escalante, John Daly, Clarence Gomez, Amanda Axelson, Mary Brennan, Andrea Gallegos, Nadine Gadis, Pat Squire, Marlene Brandt, and for all others in our Parish and Community who are in need of our prayer. For the souls of our departed: Irene Goergen, Janet Blea, Julia Avonovich, Uriel Meraz, Derek Miles, Francisco Delgadillo, Trudy Heinman, Jay Sikora, Eva Diaz, Jim Sweeney, John Daily, Helen Mahon (Jackie Vazquez’s grandmother), Georgi Aibner, Betty Fulton, Frank Breslin, Ed Andzel, Ernest “Joe” Thompson, Shannon Bascomb, Elaine Gomez, James Flynn, Billy Mauer, Tom Scanlon, Fr. Robert Hehn, Bellard Garcia. For prayer requests please contact the Parish Office.
THE HOLY FATHER’S
PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR JUNE
National Leaders. That national leaders may firmly commit themselves to ending the arms trade, which victimizes so many innocent people.
MASS INTENTIONS
May 27 4:30PM Russell Schmeckel 7:00PM Lluvia Bucio ♥ May 28 12:30PM Asencion Valenzuela and Natividad Lopez
To request a Mass intention, please make your request in the sacristy following Mass.
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
Sunday: 3rd & 4th Year Theology Monday: 1st & 2nd Year Theology Tuesday: 1st & 2nd Year Theology Wednesday: Spirituality Year Thursday: College Freshmen & Sophomores Friday: Vocations Ministry Saturday: Applicants & Prospective Seminarians
READINGS OF THE WEEK
May 29- Easter Weekday Acts of the Apostles 19:1-8 John 16:29-33
May 30 - Easter Weekday Acts of the Apostles 20:17-27 John 17:1-11A
May 31 - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Romans 12:9-16 Luke 1:39-56
June 1 - Saint Justin, Martyr Acts of the Apostles 22:30; 23:6-11 John 17:20-26
June 2 - Easter Weekday Acts of the Apostles 25:13B-21 John 21:15-19
June 3 - Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs Acts of the Apostles 28:16-20, 30-31 John 21:20-25
June 4 - Pentecost Sunday Pentecost Vigil: Genesis 11:1-9 Romans 8:22-27 John 7:37-39
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13 John 20:19-23
All of us have been baptized into one and the same Spirit. That same Spirit, the Advocate, our comfort and refreshment, was given as gift to the disciples to strengthen them to go forth in the name of the Lord, “to renew the face of the earth.”
“By his ascension, the Risen Lord draws the gaze of the Apostles — and our gaze — to the heights of Heaven to show us that the end of our journey is the Father. Yet, Jesus remains present and active in the affairs of
human history through the power and the gifts of his Spirit; he is beside each of us: even if we do not see him with our
eyes. He accompanies us, he guides us, he takes us by the hand and he lifts us up when we fall down.
The risen Jesus is close to us all; the Lord is with us!” Pope Francis June 1, 2014
The Early Church (Booklet) Ancient Christianity is a proven draw at the box office and the bookstores. Our neighbors are curious about the early Church, and more than willing to be obsessed by it. But how should we proceed to study ancient Christianity when the media accounts themselves have been shockingly misinformed? The key to understanding the early Church is a fresh familiarity with the ancient sources. In this booklet you’ll encounter many of the most important figures of the first centuries of Christianity. You will read their words. You will hear their side of the story.
